Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?

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Monday, April 7, 2014

One of the best parts of being a born and raised New York City Girl is the Theatre. My mom loves Broadway and it's one of the first things she introduced me to. It's been a lifelong love ever since. While I have mixed feelings about Musicals (always have) - don't get me wrong I love Music and I love theatre, but have always had mixed feelings about folks breaking into song every few minutes. Thankfully over the years many have blown me away, but for me drama, (the non singing every two seconds kind), is very much what the theater is about for me.

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy Mothers and Sons while it was still in preview.

ABOUT:

The play centers on Katharine Gerard (portrayed by Tyne Daly), who pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son's partner, who is now married to another man and has a young son. Katharine finds herself challenged to face how society has changed while generations collide as she revisits the past and begins to fully see the life her son led in spite of her disapproval.

CAST:

Katharine Gerard - Portrayed by Tyne Daly - She created this role in the world premiere of Mothers and Sons at Bucks County Playhouse and in 2011 was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Her TV credits include Six nominations and FOUR Emmy Awards for Cagney & Lacey.

Cal Porter - Portrayed by Frederick Weller - His Broadway credits include Glengarry Glen Ross, Take Me Out, Seascape, The Rehearsal, The Little Foxes and Six Degrees of Separation.

Will Ogden - Portrayed by Bobby Steggert - Like Tyne, he originated this role at Bucks County Playhouse, his Broadway credits also include: Big Fish, Ragtime, and 110 in the Shade.

Bud Ogden-Porter - Portrayed by Grayson Taylor - is making his Broadway Debut in Mothers and Sons after originating the role of Bud at Bucks County Playhouse.

My Take:

The Golden Theater was actually just the perfect size, it lent enough intimacy to truly focus the audience right in on all the action. Katharine certainly shakes things up when she arrives suddenly at the home of her son's former partner, but in the process the layers slowly peel away leaving her exposed, revealing her vulnerability and at the core of it all is a Mother. A Mother who has lost her son. (it is revealed she has also lost her husband and is truly alone.) A Mother who lost the larger part of her son's adulthood because she couldn't accept his choices. It is a powerful story, one that to some degree is that much more powerful because the storyteller lived it. To help paint a clearer picture on the backstory, please read A Playwright's Status Report - McNally's 'Mothers and Sons' Gauges a Changed America By Patrick Healy of the New York Times.

The complex relationship between Mothers and Sons, what comprises a 'modern family', and the difficulties same-sex couples experience in society all make for a well written emotional rollercoaster where one moment the audience is laughing and then crying the next. It is moving and compelling and I urge you to see it!

For all my Butterflies out there who are Mothers how do you deal with decisions your adult children make that you do not agree with? Have you personally dealt with a parent who refused to accept your life choices? If so, how did you handle it?

FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided Press Tickets to Mothers and Sons for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Pagefor additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! No monetary compensation has been exchanged!

1 comment:

I have not seen Mothers and Sons .Sounds like I'd enjoy seening all it different layers ( I enjoy going to the theatre so thanks for the recap think I'll check out for myself ( read about the playwright and it made even more interested in seening Mothers and Son. )Love the charitable auction as well !! (Very cool. )

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Ascending Butterfly is a LIFESTYLE Blog. While it's Founder/Editor is in full possession of a Uterus, she doesn't choose to use it, keep that in mind before hitting send on your next pitch. We focus on Travel, Spirits, All things Foodie, Photography, Beauty, Fashion, Eco Friendly, with a mind, body,and soul approach to wellness and well-being.